Gene Field Road Bridge to remain closed after MoDOT inspection reveals structural damage

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Crews from the Missouri Department of Transportation have determined that the damaged Gene Field Road bridge will remain closed until structural improvements can be carried out starting next spring.

The Gene Field Road Bridge over Interstate 29 in St. Joseph was closed on Monday, Nov. 10, after being struck by an oversized load. Following evaluations, crews from the Missouri Department of Transportation have determined that the bridge will remain closed until further notice.

One of the bridge’s four support girders was damaged during the incident, causing it to separate from the bridge deck. Due to this and the pre-existing condition of the bridge deck, the bridge will remain closed to all traffic until it can be replaced.

A project to replace the bridge was scheduled for an October 2026 contractor letting, but due to the incident, the project is now being accelerated to the spring of 2026. The Gene Field Road bridge was constructed in 1962.

More information regarding the project, including details about a public meeting scheduled for December, can be found on the project webpage at: www.modot.org/projects/gene-field-road-bridge-replacement-over-interstate-29-buchanan-county.

Traffic Impacts:

Gene Field Road is closed at the bridge over Interstate 29. Due to an ongoing City of St. Joseph project on Woodbine Road, traffic is restricted between Karnes and Cook Road.

The city has implemented a detour directing motorists on the east side of the bridge travel east on Gene Field Road to Bishop Road, then go north on Cook Road.

For more information, please visit www.stjosephmo.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx.